via Robert Kellert, MileSplit NJ
I took a ride up to Staten Island on Thursday to take a look at the new Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex during its opening ceremony. Below I have embedded some of the photos that were live tweeted during the event.
A little background on the place - It is a brand new state-of-the-art indoor track and field facility that will be housing meets already scheduled for this coming season. The track includes the option to be hydraulically banked and can switch from six to eight lanes depending. There are two high jump, long/triple jump, and pole vault areas on the inner oval. Throwers will be happy with two quality throwing areas and they are next to a windowed area for a more open feel. Also included is a warm-up area inside, a seating area outside, and the building has taken measures to be as green as it can be for the environment.
I caught up with the Athletic Complex Administrator, Lauren Primerano, to get an idea about what managing this kind of project was like. "It is a huge undertaking, it's been a long year and a half just trying to get everything done and all the small pieces into place. But it's been exciting and really great to see so many big meets coming to us from all angles."
The new state-of-the-art complex will create a draw from all of New York, surrounding states, and even further. A far range of influence for an idea that was born from a more local focus. "Originally when the plan first started so long ago it was really just a group of Staten Islanders who wanted a place for their kids to practice and compete without having to drive into Manhattan or down to New Jersey."
She also gave an idea of how the project has been received on Staten Island: "For the most part it has been very positive, this was one of the hardest hit areas during Sandy so its definitely a very positive thing for the community. Some people feel that because of the hurricane that funding could of been used elsewhere but I think once they see what this really provides to the community and that its going to be a great fitness outlet for everybody they'll come around as well. Its not just about track and field it's really about health and fitness."
Along with seeing what the facility has to offer, the excited children in the stands waiting to take their first laps, and the fact that we have another track and field destination, it was also announced as the only indoor track to be certified by the IAAF in the United States at the end of the ceremony.
Any track and field fan would be exciting seeing this place in person and I came away from it very impressed. Take a look for yourself below!